Jose Mourinho's Red Devils seem to have managed to overcome a slight wobble two months back when they struggled in a 0-0 draw with Liverpool and then lost to Huddersfield, Chelsea and Basel (in the Champions League).
They have won their last four matches in all competitions; an improved goal-scoring form seemingly attributed to the return from injury of talisman Paul Pogba. But the Frenchman's drive and energy will be absent as he begins the first of a three game-ban.
If United avoid defeat on Sunday, they will set a new club record of 41 consecutive matches unbeaten at home. Their last defeat at Old Trafford was in the corresponding Manchester derby, 14 months ago.
Ahead of the game, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho said: "I don't need to know that a derby is something special for the people.
"For us, in the end, it's three points but honestly, I think for the people born in the city and feeling the colours, it's a good positive rivalry and a special match.
"For me, it's one more big match against one of the best teams in the country. We are a better team than last year. I think City is also better than last season."
The Citizens have been in sparkling form and until a surprise 2-1 reverse in Europe away to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, had seemed virtually unstoppable. Before that hiccup, Pep Guardiola's men had won 20 straight games in all competitions, helping them secure an eight point lead over second-placed Man United on the Premier League table.
City have however had to fight hard for points of late and needed late goals in their last three league outings (West Ham, Southampton, Huddersfield) to secure victories.
Manager Pep Guardiola said: "I am a manager to play these kinds of games on the biggest stages. That’s why we are here.
“I will enjoy it, definitely. I am looking forward to arriving and playing. I love to be there, working out what we can do to beat them.
“When you face the big teams, it demands a little bit more.
“They defend well. It is so complicated to score against them but the target is to try. They also create chances - Martial, Lingard, Rashford, Lukaku - they are dangerous players.
“When you play big teams, if you don’t give the best of yourself it is impossible to beat them.”
In team news, Pogba's suspension for a reckless challenge on Hector Bellerin in the 3-1 win over Arsenal is a massive blow for United. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Phil Jones and Nemanja Matic are all fit, while Marouane Fellaini will have a late fitness test, but Eric Bailly and Michael Carrick are sidelined with injury.
City have no suspensions but have Leroy Sane, Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho all sitting one game away from a ban. They remain without long-term injury victims John Stones and Benjamin Mendy, while there is also doubt over club captain Kompany, the Citizens' defence looking their one possible Achilles Heel. But David Silva is fit after injuring himself while scoring the winner against West Ham.
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